Great game of footie as ManU took Arsenal to the cleaners.
Lovely.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 30 January 2010
A bit of help
By early Friday afternoon the snow was well over a foot deep on the drive, deeper on the ramps sloping to the road and deeper again where the city plow had been. Not the deepest, of course, but given I'd already cleared what had fallen overnight, more than 30 cm is a bit much in four hours when 21 cm was predicted for a 24 hour spell.
It would have been difficult but manageable in two or three shifts, depending how much more fell.
We just made a start on the really deep part when the guy next door carried on pushing his snowblower beyond his path to clear the deeper stuff and our task was done in one go.
Even if I could afford a snowblower, I wouldn't feel comfortable operating it. Too many knobs and levers for my liking.
Unfortunately, that wasn't it. The snow continued into the evening and the bastard plow passed again, depositing its ridge. The blowing snow began to fill the drive and blew up against the ridge instead of out into the streeet and away.
So we were back outside again clearing deep drifts and breaking down the ridge.
Bastard plow went by yet again later. There really is no need for overplowing like this. The road was more than clear enough for the traffic the street sees.
I just cleared the ridge this morning. Not a big one - which shows how little the need actually was to plow again - but it was becoming compacted.
Oh...it was minus 26 when I was out there.
It would have been difficult but manageable in two or three shifts, depending how much more fell.
We just made a start on the really deep part when the guy next door carried on pushing his snowblower beyond his path to clear the deeper stuff and our task was done in one go.
Even if I could afford a snowblower, I wouldn't feel comfortable operating it. Too many knobs and levers for my liking.
Unfortunately, that wasn't it. The snow continued into the evening and the bastard plow passed again, depositing its ridge. The blowing snow began to fill the drive and blew up against the ridge instead of out into the streeet and away.
So we were back outside again clearing deep drifts and breaking down the ridge.
Bastard plow went by yet again later. There really is no need for overplowing like this. The road was more than clear enough for the traffic the street sees.
I just cleared the ridge this morning. Not a big one - which shows how little the need actually was to plow again - but it was becoming compacted.
Oh...it was minus 26 when I was out there.
Friday, 29 January 2010
groan....
Yesterday they said there would be 2-4 cm overnight and another 5 today. Last night it was changed. Could be as much as 21 cm in a 24 hour period.
I looked out at 5.30 am to see it had stopped and it didn't seem too bad. I decided to clear it when I got SD up for work.
Which I did. I cleared around 10 cm shortly after 8.00.
When she left an hour later it looked like a third of what fell overnight had already settled.
Funny thing. This is the first 'snow day' of the winter. The schools are closed and SS didn't have to go anyway.
I shall recruit him for a clearance later on.
I looked out at 5.30 am to see it had stopped and it didn't seem too bad. I decided to clear it when I got SD up for work.
Which I did. I cleared around 10 cm shortly after 8.00.
When she left an hour later it looked like a third of what fell overnight had already settled.
Funny thing. This is the first 'snow day' of the winter. The schools are closed and SS didn't have to go anyway.
I shall recruit him for a clearance later on.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
The Weather Guess
Unusually, the weather forecasts seem to be a bit off this week with predicted weather not happening. We've not had the freezing rain that was suggested and the damaging winds were nothing like as strong as they said, while the hail we did get I don't recall being forecast.
No sign of the icy rain predicted today. So will tonight's expected snow materialise?
No sign of the icy rain predicted today. So will tonight's expected snow materialise?
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
bass ackwards
Since I've lived in New Brunswick I have often commented (usually to myself, as now) how the two main political parties here seem to be the complete reverse of what they should be.
There was nothing particularly liberal about The Liberals while the Conservatives had a better way of helping people with their winter heating bills. Then the Liberals scrapped that system and replaced it with something completely inadequate.
More recently the Libs changed and improved the Heating Assistance program and then announced a review of the Province's welfare policies. Astonishingly they seem to have listened to recommendations and have already acted upon some, with changes to come on others.
But just when I thought 'normality' had been resumed, the leader of the Conservatives comes out with an idea to Nationalise the Power company!!
There was nothing particularly liberal about The Liberals while the Conservatives had a better way of helping people with their winter heating bills. Then the Liberals scrapped that system and replaced it with something completely inadequate.
More recently the Libs changed and improved the Heating Assistance program and then announced a review of the Province's welfare policies. Astonishingly they seem to have listened to recommendations and have already acted upon some, with changes to come on others.
But just when I thought 'normality' had been resumed, the leader of the Conservatives comes out with an idea to Nationalise the Power company!!
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
NB Power and the thaw
A considerable thaw has taken place. Lots of overnight rain and temperature soaring to 7. That's +7.
* * *
Funny letter in the paper yesterday. The writer says the new NB Power to Quebec deal is as bad as the original one. He goes on to say that Nova Scotia and Newfoundland will benefit.
What's funny is that NS and NFL weren't in favour of the original deal. So maybe something is different?
* * *
Funny letter in the paper yesterday. The writer says the new NB Power to Quebec deal is as bad as the original one. He goes on to say that Nova Scotia and Newfoundland will benefit.
What's funny is that NS and NFL weren't in favour of the original deal. So maybe something is different?
Monday, 25 January 2010
Asylum seeking
Just read that 45 Americans and 15 Canadians applied for asylum in the UK between 2004 and 2008.
Laughable that they tried to maintain they had a well-founded fear of persecution. Whatever stance or protest they were trying to make I think it's quite insulting to put themselves on a par with the genuine cases where families have been raped and butchered.
Fortunately they were all turned down.
Laughable that they tried to maintain they had a well-founded fear of persecution. Whatever stance or protest they were trying to make I think it's quite insulting to put themselves on a par with the genuine cases where families have been raped and butchered.
Fortunately they were all turned down.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Feeling smug
Arsenal fans were so bloody insufferable celebrating their five minutes. So good to see an embarrassing defeat today.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Double standards
Well, Arsenal fans, I hope you enjoyed your brief moment.
At least some of you recognised the double standards on display this week.
At least some of you recognised the double standards on display this week.
Friday, 22 January 2010
smelly bacon
Had some bacon at lunchtime. My wife immediately smelled maple syrup. Nothing in the ingredients to suggest it but I don't think she was wrong. It was the worst bacon I've had here.
Canadian 'Back' bacon, to those who don't know, is completely different to English style back bacon.
Ordinary Canadian bacon is the 'streaky' kind and quite fatty. But at least it's usually cheap.
Canadian 'Back' bacon, to those who don't know, is completely different to English style back bacon.
Ordinary Canadian bacon is the 'streaky' kind and quite fatty. But at least it's usually cheap.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
What to do?
Our Prescription charges got to such a high level that we now qualify for some assistance from the Province. However, there are a couple that are only covered when a special authorisation is given after the doctor makes a case for it.
He says he has checked the criteria and we wouldn't get special authorisation. He gave us a copy of the relevant passages and clearly we do meet the stated criteria.
I don't know what the problem is...he's too busy to apply? Possible.
He doesn't think it's right? Not for him to say.
Thinks it makes him look 'bad' for not trying alternative drugs, hence the application? He has tried alternatives; that is the point and is the criteria for making a special case.
But what can I do? I could make the case myself in a letter to the office responsible but either they'd simply say it has to come from the doc or they may ask his view. That would help, perhaps, in terms of getting approval but it's like going over his head or complaining when in all other respects he's a good doctor.
I don't want to do that but I have to do something. What?
He says he has checked the criteria and we wouldn't get special authorisation. He gave us a copy of the relevant passages and clearly we do meet the stated criteria.
I don't know what the problem is...he's too busy to apply? Possible.
He doesn't think it's right? Not for him to say.
Thinks it makes him look 'bad' for not trying alternative drugs, hence the application? He has tried alternatives; that is the point and is the criteria for making a special case.
But what can I do? I could make the case myself in a letter to the office responsible but either they'd simply say it has to come from the doc or they may ask his view. That would help, perhaps, in terms of getting approval but it's like going over his head or complaining when in all other respects he's a good doctor.
I don't want to do that but I have to do something. What?
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
How to provoke your employees
The Cabin Crews of British Airways were set to strike over Xmas having decided by a rather large majority to do so; very unusual to have something like 90% vote in favour of something like that.
One assumes feelings were quite strong about the changes in work patterns they thought unreasonable.
BA went to court and had the vote declared null and void on a technicality; namely that between the voting time and the day of the strike some were to become redundant - an indication that the union had previously agreed a package to help the company in difficult times.
Assuming everyone due to be losing their livelihood voted for the action, the majority for the strike would have been slightly less but still a big one.
I would imagine such action by the employers might strengthen the resolve of the employees.
Now, before a new vote has taken place, BA has announced its intention to train its ground staff to replace the cabin crew in the event of a new strike.
Very provocative to announce plans for scab labour prior to a vote. Are they mad, devious or stupid?
One assumes feelings were quite strong about the changes in work patterns they thought unreasonable.
BA went to court and had the vote declared null and void on a technicality; namely that between the voting time and the day of the strike some were to become redundant - an indication that the union had previously agreed a package to help the company in difficult times.
Assuming everyone due to be losing their livelihood voted for the action, the majority for the strike would have been slightly less but still a big one.
I would imagine such action by the employers might strengthen the resolve of the employees.
Now, before a new vote has taken place, BA has announced its intention to train its ground staff to replace the cabin crew in the event of a new strike.
Very provocative to announce plans for scab labour prior to a vote. Are they mad, devious or stupid?
Monday, 18 January 2010
Recipe of the day
Ham Alfredo
Cheat method as usual.
Slice and sweat some onions in butter in a pan while the pasta is simmering. Sliced mushrooms may be added.
Add jar of Classico Alfredo sauce - mixing a drop of milk in the jar to get the full contents, heat until bubbling and add strips of ham (any kind). If sauce is too rich, add Cream of Mushroom (concentrated) soup until taste suits. Milk may be added but remember some was used already so you don't want to weaken it too much. Turn heat down.
Strain pasta and tip back into pan. Give Alfredo mix a final stir and then mix into the pasta.
Makes for good leftovers too.
Works very well with Shrimps...if raw, add them to the onions remembering not to overcook them. If cooked shrimps, just add them when the sauce is bubbling and that will warm them without re-cooking.
* * *
Made a huge pot but the others all had seconds and now there's hardly any left. There were three of four lunches in what was leftovers. Damn.
Cheat method as usual.
Slice and sweat some onions in butter in a pan while the pasta is simmering. Sliced mushrooms may be added.
Add jar of Classico Alfredo sauce - mixing a drop of milk in the jar to get the full contents, heat until bubbling and add strips of ham (any kind). If sauce is too rich, add Cream of Mushroom (concentrated) soup until taste suits. Milk may be added but remember some was used already so you don't want to weaken it too much. Turn heat down.
Strain pasta and tip back into pan. Give Alfredo mix a final stir and then mix into the pasta.
Makes for good leftovers too.
Works very well with Shrimps...if raw, add them to the onions remembering not to overcook them. If cooked shrimps, just add them when the sauce is bubbling and that will warm them without re-cooking.
* * *
Made a huge pot but the others all had seconds and now there's hardly any left. There were three of four lunches in what was leftovers. Damn.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
No world cup song
It has been announced that there will be no official 'world cup' song this time.
It's not surprising but it's also a little disappointing. I thought they were fun, albeit usually terrible.
There have been two really good ones of course - World in Motion and Three Lions. The latter was for the European Championships but was used for the world cup later. It'll probably surface again and it's a great sing-a-long.
I shall certainly youtube them in the sumer to get me in the mood, along with the excellent On the march with Bobby's Army - a video diary.
It's not surprising but it's also a little disappointing. I thought they were fun, albeit usually terrible.
There have been two really good ones of course - World in Motion and Three Lions. The latter was for the European Championships but was used for the world cup later. It'll probably surface again and it's a great sing-a-long.
I shall certainly youtube them in the sumer to get me in the mood, along with the excellent On the march with Bobby's Army - a video diary.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
A little snow
First snow in two weeks today. It looked quite thick falling and went on for about 4 hours.
I dressed up to go out and clear it and it was only about a cm deep. Not that 'deep' really applies. I probably wouldn't have bothered if I'd known...although at least I know it's not going to freeze and be a nuisance when we get proper snow again.
I dressed up to go out and clear it and it was only about a cm deep. Not that 'deep' really applies. I probably wouldn't have bothered if I'd known...although at least I know it's not going to freeze and be a nuisance when we get proper snow again.
Friday, 15 January 2010
NB Power sell off...still
Dan F kindly sent me a link to a document with a lot more substance than I've seen before. It's still not approaching the subject in as neutral a way as I'd like***
Dan says
In 6 years I will have 'banked' $2000 from the freeze (based on our current power bills) and will be saving at least another $500 a year thereafter. In ten years I'll have banked at least $4000 with new costs running about $600 a year below likely NB Power rates.
Decommissioning costs will have to be paid by NB ratepayers whether or not Quebec Hydro is running things instead of NB Power, so I don't see that as an issue.
From the document
Following the above advice it's not hard for me to decide these savings are well worth the loss of ownership. Especially as the new owners have a record of the cheapest rates around.
Some people in Quebec are less than satisfied with HQ’s performance to date. SeeBut it's considerably better than the other arguments I've seen.
http://www.iedm.org/main/show_mediareleases_en.php?mediareleases_id=187
***Is this the firm New Brunswick wishes to entrust with its essential electric service?***
Dan says
10 years down the road, we'll be back to square one...My first response to that is that square one is the current situation where NB Power puts the rates up by 3% every year without having to account for themselves and about every 2 or 3 years asks for something like a 10% rise and is allowed a 6% rise.
In 6 years I will have 'banked' $2000 from the freeze (based on our current power bills) and will be saving at least another $500 a year thereafter. In ten years I'll have banked at least $4000 with new costs running about $600 a year below likely NB Power rates.
Decommissioning costs will have to be paid by NB ratepayers whether or not Quebec Hydro is running things instead of NB Power, so I don't see that as an issue.
From the document
Residential, General and Commercial customers will not see any reduction in rates. They must calculate what the rates would have been had the sale not been completed and consider the savings over time while assuming that many future unknowns do not eliminate some of the savings.One of the unknowns will also be what increases would be seen over and above the minimum 3% stated by NB. Experience suggests there would be at least one or two higher increases from NB in what would be the period of the freeze with HQ, so my projected savings could be even higher than above.
If the deal is not concluded New Brunswick rate payers will forego rate savings.
Each New Brunswick consumer should be able to decide whether these savings are worth the loss of ownership of ENBP, its services and its assets.
Following the above advice it's not hard for me to decide these savings are well worth the loss of ownership. Especially as the new owners have a record of the cheapest rates around.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
NB Power again
I've yet to see a convincing argument for NB retaining power of NB Power.That was what I said in the original post the other day. I can't help but notice the comments disagreeing didn't make a counter case other than assuming, incorrectly, that I have not read up on it or I have fallen for propaganda. That's what I mean; there's hardly an argument against the sell off, let alone a convincing one.
It's all "how do we know what the rates will be"..."we can't sell to Quebec"...."it's our asset" etc.
Both here and other forums in NB I have said I should be against it and I've invited people to convince me. If there are good reasons...any reasons...it should be easy for someone to convince me but nobody seems to offer anything but indignation.
It's Liberal policy to sell and it's Conservative policy to oppose. The Conservatives are in opposition so, of course, they oppose. Especially when they see the political opportunity offered.
Apparently the Conservatives wanted to sell it previously, so what's changed...other than the Liberals have beaten them to doing something about it?
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
American Idol
American Idol made its return last night with the early auditions. As usual there were the 'odd' people and not so odd ones who cannot sing to save their lives.
They can never understand their rejection as everyone tells them they are good. One guy even thought he was awesome.
I can't see the show continuing after Simon leaves the panel. He has an edge that they won't be able to replace unless they find someone who can bring something else. And if he brings his X-Factor across the pond it might wipe the floor with Idol.
They can never understand their rejection as everyone tells them they are good. One guy even thought he was awesome.
I can't see the show continuing after Simon leaves the panel. He has an edge that they won't be able to replace unless they find someone who can bring something else. And if he brings his X-Factor across the pond it might wipe the floor with Idol.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Late news
I was watching the TV news this morning and curiosity made me turn over to the same channel's news in provinces in other time zones.
The same presenters were on and the broadcasts were all at different stages.
This can only mean that the whole thing is not live for Provinces further west.
I can't imagine watching 'News' with 'up to date' reports that might have been superseded as much as three hours earlier.
The same presenters were on and the broadcasts were all at different stages.
This can only mean that the whole thing is not live for Provinces further west.
I can't imagine watching 'News' with 'up to date' reports that might have been superseded as much as three hours earlier.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Electricity company sell off
The proposed (done deal?) selling of New Brunswick Power to Quebec Hydro continues to make the news.
I should be against it on a point of principle, but.......
Quebec has the cheapest power around and we are guaranteed a freeze on charges for five years and then increases will be in line with inflation.
Sticking with NB, prices have already been guaranteed to rise 3% every year for five years and increases thereafter will also be inflation levels or more.
I have calculated that in the first five years we (my family) will have saved around $1500. At that point our bills are then running $500 a year minimum lower than they would have been with NBPower and future increases will not be more than they would have been with NBPower.
So after 6 years we are $2000 better off than we would have been with that figure rising by $500 annually.
How could I be against the proposal? And yet......
It reminds me of the Building Societies in the UK when they became banks. Savers and borrowers qualified for significant 'windfalls' if the change went ahead. It was hard to be against such a move because of those windfalls.
I should be against this sell off. But I'm not. And, to be honest, I think Quebec Hydro would run things better anyway.
I've yet to see a convincing argument for NB retaining power of NB Power.
I should be against it on a point of principle, but.......
Quebec has the cheapest power around and we are guaranteed a freeze on charges for five years and then increases will be in line with inflation.
Sticking with NB, prices have already been guaranteed to rise 3% every year for five years and increases thereafter will also be inflation levels or more.
I have calculated that in the first five years we (my family) will have saved around $1500. At that point our bills are then running $500 a year minimum lower than they would have been with NBPower and future increases will not be more than they would have been with NBPower.
So after 6 years we are $2000 better off than we would have been with that figure rising by $500 annually.
How could I be against the proposal? And yet......
It reminds me of the Building Societies in the UK when they became banks. Savers and borrowers qualified for significant 'windfalls' if the change went ahead. It was hard to be against such a move because of those windfalls.
I should be against this sell off. But I'm not. And, to be honest, I think Quebec Hydro would run things better anyway.
I've yet to see a convincing argument for NB retaining power of NB Power.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
European weather
Nice to see reports of European weather on Canadian TV news, with a particular focus on Britain. That hasn't really happened before in my time here. They even had a chat with a journo about the situation.
There was also a separate report of something unrelated featuring PM Gordon Brown. It was almost like being back in England!
The games I had hoped to see to see today are both off. But I shall "make do" with Juventus v Milan later. Actually, I'd probably have watched it anyway, but the appetite will be greater now.
There was also a separate report of something unrelated featuring PM Gordon Brown. It was almost like being back in England!
The games I had hoped to see to see today are both off. But I shall "make do" with Juventus v Milan later. Actually, I'd probably have watched it anyway, but the appetite will be greater now.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Match off
I've often commented how nice it is to be here with snow everywhere, minus 30 degrees and be able to watch the footie (from England) on the TV.
Not this weekend though, with so many games postponed due to Canadian weather. But I was still able to watch two. Only one less than usual but I didn't have the choice of the alternative game in the middle. Still, not bad.
Not this weekend though, with so many games postponed due to Canadian weather. But I was still able to watch two. Only one less than usual but I didn't have the choice of the alternative game in the middle. Still, not bad.
Friday, 8 January 2010
A taste of Canada
It seems the UK is having a taste of Canada with some snow and cold temperatures. A part of Scotland had minus 21 overnight.
The Guardian compared it to the South Pole which is quite funny. The South Pole was at least a similar temperature so it made a valid point but they could have compared it to the minus 40 overnight in Winnipeg.
The Guardian compared it to the South Pole which is quite funny. The South Pole was at least a similar temperature so it made a valid point but they could have compared it to the minus 40 overnight in Winnipeg.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Republic of Doyle
New show on TV last night about a Private Eye. I watched because it was 'local'...well, Newfoundland.
Not bad, nothing special. It had a sort of Bergerac or Shoestring feel about it. That makes it more 'real' than other shows and that's often a good thing. But it also made me think of the cheap Aussie sort of thing we used to get back in the UK.
Not bad, nothing special. It had a sort of Bergerac or Shoestring feel about it. That makes it more 'real' than other shows and that's often a good thing. But it also made me think of the cheap Aussie sort of thing we used to get back in the UK.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
How cold is cold?
My wife has never quite made it in giving up smoking but she is down to a couple a day and can go for 2 or 3 days without one when it's cold out. She won't smoke in the house.
'Cold' is about 15 below.
Last night she asked if it was cold out...I checked and it was minus 5. She was almost smiling at the discovery it was so mild.
'Cold' is about 15 below.
Last night she asked if it was cold out...I checked and it was minus 5. She was almost smiling at the discovery it was so mild.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Reprieve
Looks like we have a break from snow for a bit. Ironic that England - if the media is anything to go by - has seen snow for the second winter running in a way not usual.
Well...there was always some snow somewhere but it seems to have included London and Bristol for two winters running, depositing more snow than the previous ten years at least.
But who knows what tricks the mind plays. I know lots of people - me included - 'remember' snow every winter in their childhoods.
I know somewhere around 1980 the Bristol buses had problems and I was getting to work by walking part way in snow that was a few inches deep and then getting a lift from someone in the same office. But in the following 20 years, perhaps a couple of inches one winter in three or four was the norm.
Ice was more of a problem than snow. I'm still amazed that ice seems less of a problem in Canada than it was in the UK.
Well...there was always some snow somewhere but it seems to have included London and Bristol for two winters running, depositing more snow than the previous ten years at least.
But who knows what tricks the mind plays. I know lots of people - me included - 'remember' snow every winter in their childhoods.
I know somewhere around 1980 the Bristol buses had problems and I was getting to work by walking part way in snow that was a few inches deep and then getting a lift from someone in the same office. But in the following 20 years, perhaps a couple of inches one winter in three or four was the norm.
Ice was more of a problem than snow. I'm still amazed that ice seems less of a problem in Canada than it was in the UK.
Monday, 4 January 2010
yet more
Did another three on Sunday and it finally stopped snowing. But the snow plow sabotaged me again and I did a partial clearance of the ridge at 1.30 this morning before going to bed.
Finished the ridge earlier. It was harder and took more effort than all seven clearances. All because so much of the snow was 'wet' and hacking and lifting rather than just pushing was involved.
I'm not convinced a snowblower is the answer. It would be kept in the garage and would entail getting there by digging or wading and then digging to enable the door to open. Then getting rid of snow along the driveway that I currently don't touch. So there's already more work involved without even getting to the front.
A contract is the best answer but I object to paying at least $300 when experience shows I can do 90% of the snowfalls with little difficulty and maybe pay $40 for the one or two that are just too much.
Finished the ridge earlier. It was harder and took more effort than all seven clearances. All because so much of the snow was 'wet' and hacking and lifting rather than just pushing was involved.
I'm not convinced a snowblower is the answer. It would be kept in the garage and would entail getting there by digging or wading and then digging to enable the door to open. Then getting rid of snow along the driveway that I currently don't touch. So there's already more work involved without even getting to the front.
A contract is the best answer but I object to paying at least $300 when experience shows I can do 90% of the snowfalls with little difficulty and maybe pay $40 for the one or two that are just too much.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Miss Smilla's feeling for snow
Cleared snow twice more last evening, making 4 times between 1pm and 9pm.
The last one was just a couple of inches but it was very wet and heavier to push and lift out the way than any I've had before. Heavier than much, much deeper snow has been! Really glad I'd done the other three or it would have been impossible to have cleared today.
Unfortunately the plow went by just after I came in and left its ridge across the dreiveway. That's always so unfair, not just because I'd just come in but also because it always passes on our side of the street first. That means the snow from the side and the middle gets shunted across driveways our side, while the remaining third is all they get on the other side on the return journey.
Just as I was beginning to think I could tell how snow was going to "be" (like Miss Smilla in the book) today's snow behaved differently to last night.
Then it was very wet but it did settle. Today, it's been snowing since before 8am but you'd think it had only just begun and it's 7 hours later now.
The bloody ridge was a bugger though. Not a big one but it was compacted. It was hard to 'shave' off the top, let alone break it up. I had to use the garden spade to break it up before I could push it into puddles to melt.
The last one was just a couple of inches but it was very wet and heavier to push and lift out the way than any I've had before. Heavier than much, much deeper snow has been! Really glad I'd done the other three or it would have been impossible to have cleared today.
Unfortunately the plow went by just after I came in and left its ridge across the dreiveway. That's always so unfair, not just because I'd just come in but also because it always passes on our side of the street first. That means the snow from the side and the middle gets shunted across driveways our side, while the remaining third is all they get on the other side on the return journey.
Just as I was beginning to think I could tell how snow was going to "be" (like Miss Smilla in the book) today's snow behaved differently to last night.
Then it was very wet but it did settle. Today, it's been snowing since before 8am but you'd think it had only just begun and it's 7 hours later now.
The bloody ridge was a bugger though. Not a big one but it was compacted. It was hard to 'shave' off the top, let alone break it up. I had to use the garden spade to break it up before I could push it into puddles to melt.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Big snow storm
We're expecting up to 40 inches or more between now and Tuesday. Apparently the same storm is to visit us three times. It would be nice if it was three or four manageable amounts but I doubt it.
I don't know what time it began today - at least by 10.00 am - but I've already been out twice this afternoon to clear what had accumulated. I think more has fallen in the two and a half hours since I cleared the first time, than fell in the first 3 or 4 hours.
I'll need to do it again later and, if it keeps up, again before bed time to avoid the sort of amount that would defeat me tomorrow.
I don't know what time it began today - at least by 10.00 am - but I've already been out twice this afternoon to clear what had accumulated. I think more has fallen in the two and a half hours since I cleared the first time, than fell in the first 3 or 4 hours.
I'll need to do it again later and, if it keeps up, again before bed time to avoid the sort of amount that would defeat me tomorrow.
Friday, 1 January 2010
A non event
So I watched the TV before and after midnight.
A compilation of Just For Laughs that was either a repeat compilation show or a new compilation of previous shows. Either way that means there was nothing new and the material was on at least its third broadcast.
At midnight there was a comedy show ( a guy I'd seen on JFL before) that had one very funny joke but it was pretty dull thereafter. It was the sort of thing I'd have seen about 20 years or more ago.
A compilation of Just For Laughs that was either a repeat compilation show or a new compilation of previous shows. Either way that means there was nothing new and the material was on at least its third broadcast.
At midnight there was a comedy show ( a guy I'd seen on JFL before) that had one very funny joke but it was pretty dull thereafter. It was the sort of thing I'd have seen about 20 years or more ago.
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